Cathedral Of Lima At Main Square. Royalty-Free Stock Image

HOME PERU ITINERARIES LIMA TOURS LIMA INFORMATION MAIN SQUARE OF LIMA MAIN SQUARE OF LIMA The Main Square of Lima is one of the most important touristic destinations, located in heart of the Historic Centre of Lima, founded by Francisco Pizarro in 1535, is a World Heritage Site, declared by UNESCO. The Plaza was the headquarters of the Spanish Colonial Government and was heavily damaged during the earthquake in 1746, almost all the churches, convents, monasteries, chapels and hospitals were damaged, after the quake the Plaza had to be rebuild, most temples and monasteries, the Cathedral of Lima first began its reconstruction in 1752. During the viceregal era, the square served as a market, bullring and a place of execution of those convicted by the Tribunal of the Holy Inquisition. In 1651 was placed at its center, the bronze fountain which remains until now. It was here that was proclaimed in 1821, the Independence of Peru and other important events such as the first set of gas street lighting providing the first post in the square with garden area, began laying rails for the first streetcars which were pulled by horses and mules, and with the construction of the penitentiary in Lima, prisons were no longer anymore in the Government Palace and the City Council.